I psychoanalyzed the creep who knocked on our door last night. I guess I don't know that he is a creep but he scared me, so that is what I am going to call him. This is what I decided he was thinking:
1. Saw woman who upset me somewhere near this building.
2. There is a light on in that apartment, ergo she must be in there.
3. I will carry my beer with me as intimidation as I knock loudly on this door at 1:30 am.
4. I decide my beer was no longer intimidating since they didn't answer the door, so I will set it down as I figure out how to climb the side of the house and peep in the window.
5. Aha, someone is looking at me. Now I must go back to the door and knock loudly again.
6. My strong cigarette odor must also be intimidating. I will use that as a weapon.
7. Sleepy woman on the couch is not who I am looking for, so I will go now, unapologetic.
Psychology of me after being thoroughly scared: I have no idea how to use my new phone to call 9-1-1, but I can assuredly figure out how to use my new facebook app to share my freak-out moment with the world. It provides comfort.
Cameron tells me that I will have everyone thinking we live in a horrible neighborhood. We don't really. I am just looking forward to living on our property where the only thing knocking on our door in the middle of the night should be a deer. The house cannot be done soon enough for me!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Veterans Day
I would like to tell you about two very brave, selfless men who changed my life in many ways. These men were both in the military, although in different branches, and both were set to serve their country in WWII. Thankfully, that dreadful war ended before they could be a part. However, both men experienced things I cannot even imagine in their service. I can only remember one of them, but he was a no-nonsense man who was firm but oh-so-kind. Both stood strong while still passing on the genes that cause me to get choked up at hearing the Star Spangled Banner being played over the radio. Happy Veterans Day to my grandfathers; to my grandmothers who stood by their men; to the men who have fought and are still fighting to preserve our freedom and to the families who wait for them at home. You have my thanks and admiration.
Friday, November 4, 2011
One o'them kinda days
A serious event happened in my life today and it caused me to learn many things about the milk of human kindness.
These are my shoes. They are on the floor at work. You are surely wondering how they got there. On my feet of course! Yes. I got up, got dressed and had been at work for an hour when I noticed this unfortunate circumstance. You know what I found out?
1. I always thought having your eyes open while dressing helped. It doesn't.
2. People didn't notice! I had no time to come home until now, and so I ran around town doing errands like this. I think one guy maybe saw. And he's male so there is a good chance that he was just looking at my feet because he has a weird foot fetish and didn't notice the shoes at all.
3. People not noticing made me wonder: Did they really not notice? Or did they choose not to say anything? And does this make them polite or mean? Is it the polite thing to notice that someone really hasn't gotten their act together and ignore it, or to pull them aside and kindly let them know that they really have issues? (Or at least wardrobe issues?!)
4. Cameron went hunting. Apparently that means that I immediately fall to pieces. Told you I needed a support group.
5. I was kind of hoping that by running around town with mismatched shoes, someone would think I was poor and offer to buy me a new pair of shoes. No such luck.
Ladies, here's my advice: Cute shoes (or even matching ones!) apparently don't matter. Don't let that keep you from buying them anyway, though. Mismatched shoes cause backaches, so you may as well have CUTE matching ones!
A good weekend to you all!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
How to get an ulcer in FIVE EASY STEPS!
1. Pick out a the cheapest kind of shingles you can.
2. Find out that when they talk about shingles costing $65.00 a square, that means 100 square feet.
3. Wake up on Saturday morning, and while laying in bed with a sleep fogged brain, try to guess what the square footage of your roof is. Multiply that by $65.00 and freak out when your phone says your roof is going to cost $15,600.00. Especially freak when you remember that number is NOT in the budget.
4. Go to see your husband at your property where he has been working on the house.
5. Listen as said husband tells you that the roof on the house is too huge and so we are hiring a crew to roof it.
See, it's easy! You can do it too.
Tune in for my next post on how to get rid of an ulcer in one easy step. Ok, nevermind, I'll tell you now. Talk to your husband about the roof cost, and let him tell you that you have not moved the decimal properly. You guys do the math (I was guessing 2400 sq ft). Trust me, it's a WHOLE lot nicer than what I first figured out.
PS - I said I would praise God from the rooftops for the price being less than I thought it was going to be. And then I amended it to our attic. Now I'm amending it again. I'm praising Him from my blog. What a relief to know that things aren't as expensive as I thought!
2. Find out that when they talk about shingles costing $65.00 a square, that means 100 square feet.
3. Wake up on Saturday morning, and while laying in bed with a sleep fogged brain, try to guess what the square footage of your roof is. Multiply that by $65.00 and freak out when your phone says your roof is going to cost $15,600.00. Especially freak when you remember that number is NOT in the budget.
4. Go to see your husband at your property where he has been working on the house.
5. Listen as said husband tells you that the roof on the house is too huge and so we are hiring a crew to roof it.
See, it's easy! You can do it too.
Tune in for my next post on how to get rid of an ulcer in one easy step. Ok, nevermind, I'll tell you now. Talk to your husband about the roof cost, and let him tell you that you have not moved the decimal properly. You guys do the math (I was guessing 2400 sq ft). Trust me, it's a WHOLE lot nicer than what I first figured out.
PS - I said I would praise God from the rooftops for the price being less than I thought it was going to be. And then I amended it to our attic. Now I'm amending it again. I'm praising Him from my blog. What a relief to know that things aren't as expensive as I thought!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Thankful.
Yesterday a friend put something on Facebook that made me think. She had seen on a friend's status the question, "What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?" It had caused her to stop and thank God and it stopped me as well. Several of the lessons at church lately have been on the necessity of thanks, bringing out the scripture that links unthankfulness with being unholy and a whole heap of other bad things. I can tell you, I didn't tell God thanks yesterday for a LOT of the things that I woke up with this morning. The health to get up with my husband at a dark hour, to have the food to feed him and my male in-laws before they went hunting. A husband that is always thanking me for the things that he could easily take for granted: doing his laundry, the dishes, grocery shopping. He always notices when I have cleaned, and tells me the house looks nice, even if I have only vacummed. (I love being able to brag on my man!) A country where I am free, a God who loves me, an enormous amount of family who accept me exactly as I am, friends who listen when I obsess over strange things and tell me to breathe, family who also happen to be friends, a job that gives me something to do during the day as well as being a good environment in which to work. Sunshine. Oh how I am thankful for sunshine. I know we don't have much of it left and I try to be careful to thank God for that enormous blessing.
Something else HUGE that has been making my heart sing lately: I wrote a post a while back about Cameron's uncle who has Lyme's disease. This sweet man has suffered for 8 years with this awful disease. Just over 5 weeks ago, he was unable to eat most things that all of us take for granted. His body would only accept certain kinds of seafood and a few different types of greens. That is what he ate for three meals a day. He was starving to death, weighing only 118 pounds. Yet, he always was positive, rarely complaining. This sweet man is SO much better today. He can eat many many things again. He can eat fruit, which he hasn't been able to eat for FIVE YEARS. He can eat grains, a food his body has rejected for months. He has gained FIFTEEN pounds in the last five weeks, and it is so obvious that he is feeling better. He has been unable to sleep right for years; he had cut holes in his mattress where his hips and shoulders would rest because they were so sensitive he couldn't stand to have the pressure on them. He has filled in the holes and can sleep normally again. His eyes are getting better: he said he has been able to go work in his shop for little bits each day. (He cannot tolerate sunshine and really cannot use his eyes much at all, they are so sensitive to light.) He has been able to walk and exercise. Oh, how we are all thanking the Lord. He has really turned things around for Uncle Brook and we get to share in the blessing.
What a great God I have today. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything.
Something else HUGE that has been making my heart sing lately: I wrote a post a while back about Cameron's uncle who has Lyme's disease. This sweet man has suffered for 8 years with this awful disease. Just over 5 weeks ago, he was unable to eat most things that all of us take for granted. His body would only accept certain kinds of seafood and a few different types of greens. That is what he ate for three meals a day. He was starving to death, weighing only 118 pounds. Yet, he always was positive, rarely complaining. This sweet man is SO much better today. He can eat many many things again. He can eat fruit, which he hasn't been able to eat for FIVE YEARS. He can eat grains, a food his body has rejected for months. He has gained FIFTEEN pounds in the last five weeks, and it is so obvious that he is feeling better. He has been unable to sleep right for years; he had cut holes in his mattress where his hips and shoulders would rest because they were so sensitive he couldn't stand to have the pressure on them. He has filled in the holes and can sleep normally again. His eyes are getting better: he said he has been able to go work in his shop for little bits each day. (He cannot tolerate sunshine and really cannot use his eyes much at all, they are so sensitive to light.) He has been able to walk and exercise. Oh, how we are all thanking the Lord. He has really turned things around for Uncle Brook and we get to share in the blessing.
What a great God I have today. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The Street Vacation
In these troubled economic times, Elko, Nevada has got it figured out. As a town, they have banded together to create the ultimate staycation: The Street Vacation. They have even made it a part of their municipal code in an effort to promote contentment from the too-poor-to-travel among them. So, Elko citizens: Has it succeeded? Are you vacationing on the street? What are the comforts of home that you miss while you camp on your neighbor's sidewalk? Do you resist the urge to sneak back into your own bed when you think no one is watching? Have you mastered the art of cooking over a campfire assembled from newspapers robbed from the recycling bin down the street? Did you think to bring matches or did you have to use the rubbing two sticks together method? And the most important question of all: When it comes time to vote for the people who create the laws in your town, will you pick new ones or do you think they are doing a great job of promoting unity in this time of hardship?
Please, Elko. I want to know.
Please, Elko. I want to know.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod
While I was home last weekend, my Grandma reminded me of this story that she used to read to us. It brought back such fond memories that I thought I would share it.
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod (Dutch Lullaby)
by Eugene Field (1850-1895)
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod one night
Sailed off in a wooden shoe---
Sailed on a river of crystal light,
Into a sea of dew.
"Where are you going, and what do you wish?"
The old moon asked the three.
"We have come to fish for the herring fish
That live in this beautiful sea;
Nets of silver and gold have we!"
Said Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.
The old moon laughed and sang a song,
As they rocked in the wooden shoe,
And the wind that sped them all night long
Ruffled the waves of dew.
The little stars were the herring fish
That lived in that beautiful sea---
"Now cast your nets wherever you wish---
Never afeard are we";
So cried the stars to the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.
All night long their nets they threw
To the stars in the twinkling foam---
Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe,
Bringing the fishermen home;
'T was all so pretty a sail it seemed
As if it could not be,
And some folks thought 't was a dream they 'd dreamed
Of sailing that beautiful sea---
But I shall name you the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.
Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes,
And Nod is a little head,
And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies
Is a wee one's trundle-bed.
So shut your eyes while mother sings
Of wonderful sights that be,
And you shall see the beautiful things
As you rock in the misty sea,
Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod (Dutch Lullaby)
by Eugene Field (1850-1895)
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod one night
Sailed off in a wooden shoe---
Sailed on a river of crystal light,
Into a sea of dew.
"Where are you going, and what do you wish?"
The old moon asked the three.
"We have come to fish for the herring fish
That live in this beautiful sea;
Nets of silver and gold have we!"
Said Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.
The old moon laughed and sang a song,
As they rocked in the wooden shoe,
And the wind that sped them all night long
Ruffled the waves of dew.
The little stars were the herring fish
That lived in that beautiful sea---
"Now cast your nets wherever you wish---
Never afeard are we";
So cried the stars to the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.
All night long their nets they threw
To the stars in the twinkling foam---
Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe,
Bringing the fishermen home;
'T was all so pretty a sail it seemed
As if it could not be,
And some folks thought 't was a dream they 'd dreamed
Of sailing that beautiful sea---
But I shall name you the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.
Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes,
And Nod is a little head,
And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies
Is a wee one's trundle-bed.
So shut your eyes while mother sings
Of wonderful sights that be,
And you shall see the beautiful things
As you rock in the misty sea,
Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Summer 2011- part 2
So last time we spoke, I showed you pictures of the OK June wedding. And I sadly confessed that we had taken no pictures of the bride. Somehow, though, we got three pictures of this. It's a good thing they had hired a real photographer to capture their special day!
I also forgot to share our self-portrait from Glacier with you. We are going to perfect the art of self-portraits someday. Until then, you'll just have to suffer through our amateur photography. I mean really - when we take 3 pictures of Rusty's ear and none of the bride, you gotta know that we are not very good at this.
After our trip to OK, it was back to the grind stone for all of us. Poor Wesley - the weather was too cold almost the whole time he was here for any water activity. I think he maybe jumped in the lake once. It's warmer now. It got up to a whole 90 degrees! We did get to do some hiking, he rode dirt bikes with the boys, we rode our bicycles around the neighborhood, and he enjoyed lots of Taco Bell. Methinks my cooking skills could use some improvement.
Daddy came to visit at the end of July and stayed with us for a week. Sadly, I took no pictures. We spent an afternoon trying to pick huckleberries, only to discover that since it had been so cold, they were all very green and smallish. Too bad. Daddy also got to experience our huge two block farmer's market. I don't think he was terribly impressed.
A couple of weekends ago, we went camping with Hubby's family. We had a very gorgeous campsite.
I spent most of the days relaxing in the camp with my Kindle. I loved it. Cameron did take me on a brief dirt bike ride and that was fun too.
We saw a lot of wildlife in the camp. (My MIL spent the days relaxing with me.) There was a game trail not very far away and we saw many deer on it. We also saw a mink in the water one day.
There were several things to be thankful for in that camping trip. That I didn't actually get *sick* when I was getting carsick from the winding roads we had to take to get there. That we didn't end up carpooling with Hubs bro. That is a thankful thing because the last morning, (his parents left on Sat and we stayed until Sunday) when his bro started his truck to hook it up to the camper so that things would be packed when they came back from the fishing they had planned, the truck made a bad noise and oil spewed EVERYWHERE. Thankfully, it wasn't as bad as it looked. He had recently changed his oil and apparently got a faulty filter. The seal blew and the pressure was such that it spewed oil straight up. I spent the day relaxing in camp while Hubs and his bro drove the 40 miles into town where, thankfully, there was a Napa open. Oil filter and change later, it was time to pack up and drive the 3 hours home. I'm thankful his filter blew in camp and not on the road. And I'm thankful we all made it home safely.
This past Friday Hubs and I camped out at our property, which we have fondly dubbed Poppity Acres. Or I have in memory of good times as a kid, and Hubs is indulging me. It was cold at night, but fun to be snug inside our tent in the basement. His family and some friends showed up in the morning and we (ok, they) got busy doing the last prep work so the trusses could go up. We ran out of time before they actually got the trusses in place, but the boys are working on it again this evening. Wanna see pictures?
There's our summer for you. I hope we have a few more weeks of summer before fall arrives.
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| Well, hello, Rusty's ear. I would not be able to survive without photographic documentation of your ear to hold me through my homesickness. |
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| Cheese! |
Daddy came to visit at the end of July and stayed with us for a week. Sadly, I took no pictures. We spent an afternoon trying to pick huckleberries, only to discover that since it had been so cold, they were all very green and smallish. Too bad. Daddy also got to experience our huge two block farmer's market. I don't think he was terribly impressed.
A couple of weekends ago, we went camping with Hubby's family. We had a very gorgeous campsite.
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| I actually stood in the river to take the picture. I had my shoes on, so I was able to stand it for a couple of minutes before my feet were aching from the cold. I'm a wimp. |
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| We were surrounded by huge old growth cedars. So beautiful. |
We saw a lot of wildlife in the camp. (My MIL spent the days relaxing with me.) There was a game trail not very far away and we saw many deer on it. We also saw a mink in the water one day.
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| He's kinda hard to see, but look right in the middle of the picture. He had just either caught a fish or picked up the fish guts that were in the river from the fish caught the previous night. He's a fuzzy ball that blends in with the rocks. |
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| Again look in the middle of the picture. He is stretched out (a side view) swimming. I didn't think I had gotten any picture of him until I zoomed in, that is how well he blends. |
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| This little deer was pretty fearless. See the huge tree behind him? I had snuck up behind a huge tree a ways in front of him and zoomed way in. He just stopped and posed and let me take his picture over and over again. |
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| Told you he was posing. |
This past Friday Hubs and I camped out at our property, which we have fondly dubbed Poppity Acres. Or I have in memory of good times as a kid, and Hubs is indulging me. It was cold at night, but fun to be snug inside our tent in the basement. His family and some friends showed up in the morning and we (ok, they) got busy doing the last prep work so the trusses could go up. We ran out of time before they actually got the trusses in place, but the boys are working on it again this evening. Wanna see pictures?
 |
| This was our basement before the walls. |
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| The front door with the trusses set on top of the roof. |
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| I thought this was way cool. I laid down on the living room floor and took a pic of the trusses. |
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| The view from my living room window. |
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| There is a flock of turkeys that lives on our property. Here is evidence. |
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Summer 2011 - part 1
I didn't do very well at sharing our summer with you all as we went along, and now that we almost to fall, I thought I had better get busy! At the beginning of the summer, (the end of May), Misti and Bob and Wesley came to see us. Hubs and I took them and his brothers and a friend over to Glacier National Park for the weekend. It was still pretty chilly but that couldn't hide the gorgeous-ness.
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| I'm not sure if you can take a bad picture of scenery like this. Note the snow. And the green tint to the water. I hear the minerals from glacier runoff cause that. |
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| I was trying to take an action shot of Bob and Wes skipping rocks. I'm not sure what Cameron is doing in the background. |
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| See that speck? That is a mountain goat. It is in the middle of that cliff. I have no idea how it got there, but I sure would've liked to have seen it get out! |
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| Bob gingerly made his way to this rock without even getting wet. He is studiously ignoring me taking a picture of him. |
Fast forward a couple of weeks, and we were home to OK for my brother's wedding. It was beautiful. The wedding, that is. OK was WARM.
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| With a couple of the goyls (aka girls). I was making shish kabobs for the girls while the guys were at the bachelor party. |
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| Wedding spot. So pretty. |
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| I just realized that we didn't get a pic of the wedding party with the bride. Wedding pictures fail! |
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Lately...
My brother Wesley spent the oh-so-short summer with us. Am I the only one who can't believe it's already August??? Wesley went home this week. My dad came to visit for about a week and then they drove home together. I was sad to see them go. Cameron knew this. He brought me these at work on Tuesday.
Our house is coming right along. The basement is framed in, and all of the exterior walls on the main floor are up, excluding the garage walls. Cameron has been taking pictures of the progress on his phone, but I have yet to get them off so I can share them with you all.
A peek inside my head: At work, there are little things that annoy me. The sleepier I am, the more things there are. Things like people sneezing really loudly. We are set up in a very classroom like environment. Rows and columns of desks, all facing the boss's office. Back to the annoyances: I realized something profound one day. Me being annoyed is pretty selfish. I'm sure you're thinking, "duh! Being annoyed is definitely something you experience yourself." No, I mean, the root of being annoyed is wishing they would stop sneezing really loudly, for instance. Seriously, can't you just hold it in? The loss of brain cells resulting from all that pressure in your head is definitely worth it to keep from annoying me! See what I'm saying? I wish they would change their behavior because I don't like it. So this is the conversation that I had with myself. "Self, get over yourself!" Myself is working on it. There are still things that annoy me, but I'm coming to grips with ignoring them. Now, aren't you glad that I shared this profound realization with you? You're welcome!
I found out today that an acquaintance lost her son in the helicopter crash in Afghanistan last night. I felt a little bit silly crying when I had never met him, and don't know this woman well, but I can imagine a little of the grief she and her family, as well as the other 30 families of the men (and maybe women) who were on that helicopter. I have been praying nonstop for comfort and peace and strength for these families. Please, won't you pray with me? Thank you.
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| Isn't he the best husband? |
A peek inside my head: At work, there are little things that annoy me. The sleepier I am, the more things there are. Things like people sneezing really loudly. We are set up in a very classroom like environment. Rows and columns of desks, all facing the boss's office. Back to the annoyances: I realized something profound one day. Me being annoyed is pretty selfish. I'm sure you're thinking, "duh! Being annoyed is definitely something you experience yourself." No, I mean, the root of being annoyed is wishing they would stop sneezing really loudly, for instance. Seriously, can't you just hold it in? The loss of brain cells resulting from all that pressure in your head is definitely worth it to keep from annoying me! See what I'm saying? I wish they would change their behavior because I don't like it. So this is the conversation that I had with myself. "Self, get over yourself!" Myself is working on it. There are still things that annoy me, but I'm coming to grips with ignoring them. Now, aren't you glad that I shared this profound realization with you? You're welcome!
I found out today that an acquaintance lost her son in the helicopter crash in Afghanistan last night. I felt a little bit silly crying when I had never met him, and don't know this woman well, but I can imagine a little of the grief she and her family, as well as the other 30 families of the men (and maybe women) who were on that helicopter. I have been praying nonstop for comfort and peace and strength for these families. Please, won't you pray with me? Thank you.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
List
1. My new friend Kelly introduced me to the CDA Farmer's Market. Think chocolate/peanut butter fudge, foccacia bread, and snow peas. YUM!
2. Idaho drivers missed the "Highway Merging 101" part of driver's ed. I almost got into a wreck for the second day in a row because the ding-a-ling in front of me was doing 35 mph at the end of the on-ramp. News flash people: It's called an acceleration ramp for a reason! *rant over* *for now*
3. At my job, we have something that is called "Sterling Style". It is our particular method for capitalization, hyphens, punctuation... you name it. Oh, and it is an ever evolving thing. One of the SS rules is that we avoid hyphens like the plague. Another is that most prefixes get combined with the word. Anything non-, co-, un-... You get the picture. I got a job today where the editor had created the word cochairperson from co-chairperson. It looks funny, but them's the rules. The keyboarder left a note saying that she wanted to retain the hyphen because saying it that way made it sound as if you had a furball. My response: "KB has furball; wishes to hyphenate". I'm sure it was much funnier in my head at the time, but I get joy from the little things. (You have to, or all of the notes start sounding nasty!)
4. There is a city where it is illegal to camp on landfills. Another city still has it on the books that there are separate ballots for men/women, blacks/whites. In one city it is illegal to commit fornication in the city limits. Another city files their documents IN the city clerk. Or they did until we edited their code. Now they are filed BY her.
5. I think I'm going to write ordinances when I grow up. Some of these cities need a professional ordinance writer!
2. Idaho drivers missed the "Highway Merging 101" part of driver's ed. I almost got into a wreck for the second day in a row because the ding-a-ling in front of me was doing 35 mph at the end of the on-ramp. News flash people: It's called an acceleration ramp for a reason! *rant over* *for now*
3. At my job, we have something that is called "Sterling Style". It is our particular method for capitalization, hyphens, punctuation... you name it. Oh, and it is an ever evolving thing. One of the SS rules is that we avoid hyphens like the plague. Another is that most prefixes get combined with the word. Anything non-, co-, un-... You get the picture. I got a job today where the editor had created the word cochairperson from co-chairperson. It looks funny, but them's the rules. The keyboarder left a note saying that she wanted to retain the hyphen because saying it that way made it sound as if you had a furball. My response: "KB has furball; wishes to hyphenate". I'm sure it was much funnier in my head at the time, but I get joy from the little things. (You have to, or all of the notes start sounding nasty!)
4. There is a city where it is illegal to camp on landfills. Another city still has it on the books that there are separate ballots for men/women, blacks/whites. In one city it is illegal to commit fornication in the city limits. Another city files their documents IN the city clerk. Or they did until we edited their code. Now they are filed BY her.
5. I think I'm going to write ordinances when I grow up. Some of these cities need a professional ordinance writer!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Friendships
"Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold."
I STINK at making friends. Most of the friendships I have have just happened. I cannot remember how they formed, and there is a good chance it is through no work on my end. I am somewhat shy, and have a hard time thinking of small talk. Who still talks about the weather these days, you ask? ME! When you run out of other things to talk about (such as: "Hi, how are you?" "I'm good, how are you?" "Good." *awkward silence*), the weather is always a good fallback. Anyway, all this to say, I MADE A NEW FRIEND. I'm ridiculously excited about this. I appreciate the friendships that I have formed since I have been here. AND I JUST MADE ANOTHER ONE. *Ahem* Please excuse me.
We had a fire out at the property this evening (in the fire pit) and my new friend from work and her husband came out and roasted bratwursts with us. And they brought their sweet baby Jordan and I got to hold Jordan and love on her. Ahhh. My cup runneth over.
I learned something new about making a friend tonight. If you want to spend time with someone, all you have to do is ask! Wow, that was hard. I know you are all thanking me for that insight, so, you're welcome! Now, go ask someone to spend some time with you on this long weekend. You'll be glad you did!
I STINK at making friends. Most of the friendships I have have just happened. I cannot remember how they formed, and there is a good chance it is through no work on my end. I am somewhat shy, and have a hard time thinking of small talk. Who still talks about the weather these days, you ask? ME! When you run out of other things to talk about (such as: "Hi, how are you?" "I'm good, how are you?" "Good." *awkward silence*), the weather is always a good fallback. Anyway, all this to say, I MADE A NEW FRIEND. I'm ridiculously excited about this. I appreciate the friendships that I have formed since I have been here. AND I JUST MADE ANOTHER ONE. *Ahem* Please excuse me.
We had a fire out at the property this evening (in the fire pit) and my new friend from work and her husband came out and roasted bratwursts with us. And they brought their sweet baby Jordan and I got to hold Jordan and love on her. Ahhh. My cup runneth over.
I learned something new about making a friend tonight. If you want to spend time with someone, all you have to do is ask! Wow, that was hard. I know you are all thanking me for that insight, so, you're welcome! Now, go ask someone to spend some time with you on this long weekend. You'll be glad you did!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Words
I was cleaning out ancient emails from my inbox just a few minutes ago and ran across one that made me think about words.
1. Words are funny. Depending on how you feel about the person saying/writing them, you interpret them different ways. For instance, if you are angry with someone, a perfectly innocent comment may sound snide or malicious. Words that once gave me warm fuzzys (from people I don't even talk to and rarely think about!) now are just words.
2. Words can instruct, uplift, tear down, comfort or simply drone on in a monotonous order.
3. Words govern us. All of those ordinances I stare at all day? They rule you. (And right now, they pay my paycheck!)
I was feeling more philosophical as I started this post. Now I'm just tired. Here are a few words for you: If you are family, you have to be related to me, but you don't have to love me. Thanks for deciding to love me. If you are an old friend, thank you for sticking around, through all the good times, bad times, zany times... Thank you for sticking around for times. If you are a new friend, I hope you stick around. And I hope that my words are good to you.
1. Words are funny. Depending on how you feel about the person saying/writing them, you interpret them different ways. For instance, if you are angry with someone, a perfectly innocent comment may sound snide or malicious. Words that once gave me warm fuzzys (from people I don't even talk to and rarely think about!) now are just words.
2. Words can instruct, uplift, tear down, comfort or simply drone on in a monotonous order.
3. Words govern us. All of those ordinances I stare at all day? They rule you. (And right now, they pay my paycheck!)
I was feeling more philosophical as I started this post. Now I'm just tired. Here are a few words for you: If you are family, you have to be related to me, but you don't have to love me. Thanks for deciding to love me. If you are an old friend, thank you for sticking around, through all the good times, bad times, zany times... Thank you for sticking around for times. If you are a new friend, I hope you stick around. And I hope that my words are good to you.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Lessons from the Couch
You know, they say (I'm not sure who "they" are, but it seemed like a good way to start this post) that if you want to know why someone does what they do, you should just ask them. Today, I decided to take that advice. This is how it went.
"Self, you seem to be very competitive. Why is that?"
I replied, "That is a very good question. It seems to stem from needing to be ...better than everyone else?"
Shocked, Myself seemed to have no reply. Then it hit me. It was true. Even in elementary school, I had to read more books, get more Accelerated Reader points, higher grades than everyone else. We all know that I would never be better at athletics, so I had to do what I could, right? Unfortunately, it seems to have carried over into real life. I have to drive faster than the people who share the highway with me, or it gives me a complex. Heaven forbid I get passed! At work, I derive secret (well, not so secret anymore!) pleasure from catching mistakes that slipped by the editor.
Why am I sharing this? It was astounding to figure out that I'm not perfect. I spent my Junior High years convincing friends and acquaintances that there are only three rules in life.
1. Linnie is always right.
2. If Linnie is wrong, see rule number 1.
3. All of the above.
The funny thing is, I almost succeeded in convincing them. I ran into a girl I hadn't talked to since Jr. High several years later, and she distinctly remembered me telling them this.
World, I'm a fake. I'm not always right, and I'm certainly not perfect. I just needed you to know this today, so that I can lower all of our expectations for Myself. Thank you for understanding.
PS - Anyone remember this kid's song? "He's still working on me, To make me what I ought to be. It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars, the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me." This is my theme song!!!
"Self, you seem to be very competitive. Why is that?"
I replied, "That is a very good question. It seems to stem from needing to be ...better than everyone else?"
Shocked, Myself seemed to have no reply. Then it hit me. It was true. Even in elementary school, I had to read more books, get more Accelerated Reader points, higher grades than everyone else. We all know that I would never be better at athletics, so I had to do what I could, right? Unfortunately, it seems to have carried over into real life. I have to drive faster than the people who share the highway with me, or it gives me a complex. Heaven forbid I get passed! At work, I derive secret (well, not so secret anymore!) pleasure from catching mistakes that slipped by the editor.
Why am I sharing this? It was astounding to figure out that I'm not perfect. I spent my Junior High years convincing friends and acquaintances that there are only three rules in life.
1. Linnie is always right.
2. If Linnie is wrong, see rule number 1.
3. All of the above.
The funny thing is, I almost succeeded in convincing them. I ran into a girl I hadn't talked to since Jr. High several years later, and she distinctly remembered me telling them this.
World, I'm a fake. I'm not always right, and I'm certainly not perfect. I just needed you to know this today, so that I can lower all of our expectations for Myself. Thank you for understanding.
PS - Anyone remember this kid's song? "He's still working on me, To make me what I ought to be. It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars, the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me." This is my theme song!!!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Thankful.
When I was reading my Bible this morning, one of the verses talked about Jesus being the Creator. The chapter (Hebrews 1) gave me a picture of the immense love God has for His Son, and my imagination ran with it.
Do you suppose, back before anything was, Jesus came to His Father with the enthusiasm that we all have inherited from Him, and sketched out this wonderful world that He wanted to make? He vividly described the colors and the intricacy of the ecosystems and every detail He would put in place so that anyone who looked could see His fingerprint. He described the creatures and the plants, and how He desperately wanted to create some people who would be companions and playmates. No doubt God saw the possibility for devastation as Jesus lined out His plan for allowing those people to decide if they wanted to be Jesus' friend, but decided that this plan was good. Maybe He even warned Jesus that if things got too bad, the only way to get His friends back would be to die for them so they would really believe He loved them. What imagination, what creativity, what love!
I knew that they were planning to pour the concrete footings out at the property yesterday, and also knew that rain was forecasted. As I left for work, I began praying (pleading) God to hold off the rain for us. As I repeated myself over and over, it was as if God said, "Do you believe I control the weather?" Yes. "Do you believe I love you?" Yes. "Then trust me." I think it maybe sprinkled on the guys a couple of times, but it didn't rain till they were done. My Father, my Creator. He didn't have to do that, but He chose to show me His love. Thank you.
Do you suppose, back before anything was, Jesus came to His Father with the enthusiasm that we all have inherited from Him, and sketched out this wonderful world that He wanted to make? He vividly described the colors and the intricacy of the ecosystems and every detail He would put in place so that anyone who looked could see His fingerprint. He described the creatures and the plants, and how He desperately wanted to create some people who would be companions and playmates. No doubt God saw the possibility for devastation as Jesus lined out His plan for allowing those people to decide if they wanted to be Jesus' friend, but decided that this plan was good. Maybe He even warned Jesus that if things got too bad, the only way to get His friends back would be to die for them so they would really believe He loved them. What imagination, what creativity, what love!
I knew that they were planning to pour the concrete footings out at the property yesterday, and also knew that rain was forecasted. As I left for work, I began praying (pleading) God to hold off the rain for us. As I repeated myself over and over, it was as if God said, "Do you believe I control the weather?" Yes. "Do you believe I love you?" Yes. "Then trust me." I think it maybe sprinkled on the guys a couple of times, but it didn't rain till they were done. My Father, my Creator. He didn't have to do that, but He chose to show me His love. Thank you.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Life lately.
My blog is telling me that it has been a month since I last posted on here.
In the last month:
1. We've seen snow several times. Snow. Very strange.
2. We got to restart on our house. We are taking baby steps in between blah weather. See #1.
3. We bought paint for the house. There was a sale.
4. We had 2 hot dog/brat roasts at the Poppity Acres. (Cameron is letting me call it that. What a good husband!) Don't ask which brats we roasted. (I crack myself up!)
5. We bought tickets to go home for Andy and Ruthie's wedding. And then I promptly realized that I bought them for the wrong day. No change fees with Southwest meant that I fixed it quickly and easily!
6. Cameron and I have discovered Craigslist "Free" ads. Sometimes there is good stuff on there. And sometimes there might be a baby grand piano on there, that when you email the individual, they give you a sob story about wanting to give away their deceased wife's piano, but their movers accidentally put it on the truck and it is now in route to Utah. If you will just contact achmed@jihad.com and pay him $350.00, he will make sure that the piano comes back to you. (The email address wasn't that fake, but it was close.)
7. I go to bed quite early these days. And still struggle to stay awake at work. I wonder if I will ever adjust.
8. Cameron and I stopped at the Sonic in Post Falls tonight. I was once again disappointed, and finally contacted corporate. The food was warm this time, but they charged us for the combo and still only gave us the water we asked for. What a rip-off. :)
9. We ate at a Mexican place in Sandpoint last week, and I haven't been able to get it off my mind. There was still no queso, the salsa wasn't the same, and you had to pay for the sopapillas, but the flavor was almost like home. Is it too much to drive an hour and a half every night just for Mexican food? I think not. Right? Ladies, give me some feedback. Males, keep your practicality to yourselves!
10. One of these days, I'll have building progress pictures for you. I even have some on the camera, just too lazy to post them. I'll just let you all stay in suspense.
In the last month:
1. We've seen snow several times. Snow. Very strange.
2. We got to restart on our house. We are taking baby steps in between blah weather. See #1.
3. We bought paint for the house. There was a sale.
4. We had 2 hot dog/brat roasts at the Poppity Acres. (Cameron is letting me call it that. What a good husband!) Don't ask which brats we roasted. (I crack myself up!)
5. We bought tickets to go home for Andy and Ruthie's wedding. And then I promptly realized that I bought them for the wrong day. No change fees with Southwest meant that I fixed it quickly and easily!
6. Cameron and I have discovered Craigslist "Free" ads. Sometimes there is good stuff on there. And sometimes there might be a baby grand piano on there, that when you email the individual, they give you a sob story about wanting to give away their deceased wife's piano, but their movers accidentally put it on the truck and it is now in route to Utah. If you will just contact achmed@jihad.com and pay him $350.00, he will make sure that the piano comes back to you. (The email address wasn't that fake, but it was close.)
7. I go to bed quite early these days. And still struggle to stay awake at work. I wonder if I will ever adjust.
8. Cameron and I stopped at the Sonic in Post Falls tonight. I was once again disappointed, and finally contacted corporate. The food was warm this time, but they charged us for the combo and still only gave us the water we asked for. What a rip-off. :)
9. We ate at a Mexican place in Sandpoint last week, and I haven't been able to get it off my mind. There was still no queso, the salsa wasn't the same, and you had to pay for the sopapillas, but the flavor was almost like home. Is it too much to drive an hour and a half every night just for Mexican food? I think not. Right? Ladies, give me some feedback. Males, keep your practicality to yourselves!
10. One of these days, I'll have building progress pictures for you. I even have some on the camera, just too lazy to post them. I'll just let you all stay in suspense.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Serious again...
Please forgive me - this blue moon is lasting a while.
Cameron and I went for a long walk this evening around our neighborhood. Part of our walk included a steep hike uphill until we reached a path that took us around part of Tubb's Hill.
In all of my thinking about my walk with God lately, I started thinking about the verse that says to lay aside things and run with patience. You know, if I had been carrying my 10 pound medicine ball up that hill, after just a few minutes, that weight would have been all that I would have thought about. I would have been thinking about how heavy it was, how silly it was to carry it on the walk, and how much it was worth to me. If it wasn't worth very much, I probably would have just left it in the trail so that I could actually finish the hike instead of falling down in exhaustion.
Spiritual application: I have discovered that my life was just like that hike. Except I am carrying along that medicine ball. It's called life. I have a wonderful husband who loves me and treats me with respect and care; we both have good jobs, and our needs and wants are supplied; we have a warm place to live and are looking forward to having a nice house; our cars run, our bellies are full, and we have plenty of clothes to wear. It's pretty easy to get into the rut of just focusing on those "weights". I enjoy my life; it's pretty cushy. I get up, go to work, come home, fix dinner, and most nights get to spend time with my best friend. I have found myself focusing on that though. Thinking about it like a weight puts it into perspective. I'm headed for Heaven: anything that gets in my way is silly. I have to focus on pressing forward, laying aside those weights. (I don't mean literally - I'm not going to leave my husband, etc. I mean spiritually stop focusing on them.) I need to focus instead on how much I enjoy others walking with me, and try to compel more and more people to join me in this glorious race. If only people could understand how beneficial this "exercise" is for them. They work out, eat right, and try to take care of their bodies. You have a soul, people. You should feed it right and exercise it correctly too.
Come and go with me to my Father's house, where there's joy, joy, joy.
Cameron and I went for a long walk this evening around our neighborhood. Part of our walk included a steep hike uphill until we reached a path that took us around part of Tubb's Hill.
In all of my thinking about my walk with God lately, I started thinking about the verse that says to lay aside things and run with patience. You know, if I had been carrying my 10 pound medicine ball up that hill, after just a few minutes, that weight would have been all that I would have thought about. I would have been thinking about how heavy it was, how silly it was to carry it on the walk, and how much it was worth to me. If it wasn't worth very much, I probably would have just left it in the trail so that I could actually finish the hike instead of falling down in exhaustion.
Spiritual application: I have discovered that my life was just like that hike. Except I am carrying along that medicine ball. It's called life. I have a wonderful husband who loves me and treats me with respect and care; we both have good jobs, and our needs and wants are supplied; we have a warm place to live and are looking forward to having a nice house; our cars run, our bellies are full, and we have plenty of clothes to wear. It's pretty easy to get into the rut of just focusing on those "weights". I enjoy my life; it's pretty cushy. I get up, go to work, come home, fix dinner, and most nights get to spend time with my best friend. I have found myself focusing on that though. Thinking about it like a weight puts it into perspective. I'm headed for Heaven: anything that gets in my way is silly. I have to focus on pressing forward, laying aside those weights. (I don't mean literally - I'm not going to leave my husband, etc. I mean spiritually stop focusing on them.) I need to focus instead on how much I enjoy others walking with me, and try to compel more and more people to join me in this glorious race. If only people could understand how beneficial this "exercise" is for them. They work out, eat right, and try to take care of their bodies. You have a soul, people. You should feed it right and exercise it correctly too.
Come and go with me to my Father's house, where there's joy, joy, joy.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Every Other 4th Blue Moon
On my way home from Oklahoma, I was reading a book and there was a statement made in it. The girl was referring to something specific, but when asked why she did this thing, she said, "Because it is a reminder that I belong to God." I thought that statement was so profound in it's simplicity. I have often been asked why I do the things I do. Let's face it, I'm different (by choice) in a lot of ways. I always stumbled around, trying to give some answer that I thought would be understood, and usually not making myself very clear. Really, my whole life comes down to a very simple mantra: I choose to live the way I do because God wants me to. I behave outwardly as a reflection of the fact that my heart and life belongs to God. I plan to continue drawing closer to God so that eventually all people will see in me is an image of Him.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A list.
A list:
1. I really enjoyed my week in Oklahoma. The weather was nice almost the entire time. You see, this is very important to someone who has been living in the Arctic for the past 10 months. I just wanted to stretch a blanket out and soak up the sunshine. Oh, and it was great seeing all of my family too!
2. It was great seeing my family and friends while I was home. But I mentioned that already.
3. Ted's. Oh, how I miss you!
4. I have seen the sun the past TWO days. I am nearly beside myself.
5. I have a really incredible husband. He starts my car in the morning, patiently does things that I have run out of time for, and tells me that everything I make is good. I love him.
6. I was marveling today at how much I already love my job. Ok, so sometimes I have a hard time staying awake. And I have a hard time getting up in the morning. Friday afternoons off are amazing, though. And the environment is SO laid back. Everyone does their job, the boss doesn't yell, and the ladies are all really nice. I'm so very thankful for it.
7. I found out yesterday that some friends are going to live just down the road from me when we finally get our house built. I am ECSTATIC.
8. Speaking of our house, the ground is finally thawing. However, there are load limits on the roads until the first part of April, so we are still on hold. Soon, though!
9. I broke my phone. I dropped it and it decided that was the last time it was taking that sort of abuse. The microphone stopped working. I can still text (thank goodness!) but no talking for me. This works out nicely for Cameron. He can call and talk and actually get to say stuff!
10. Random fact: There is a town somewhere (I don't remember now which city/town/village/county I was working on) that felt the need to define family. In this town, a relative is a mother, father, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, grandparent, and great-grandparent. However, more distant relationships such as cousins are not considered family. So, all of you people who have been secretly dying to marry your cousins, HERE'S YOUR CHANCE.
I have not blogged much lately, mostly because when I get home, it's Cameron-and-Linnie time and that doesn't include blogging. I do have a more serious blog post that will occur eventually. I know, it's hard to believe I can be serious. It doesn't happen every 4th blue moon though! Stay tuned.
1. I really enjoyed my week in Oklahoma. The weather was nice almost the entire time. You see, this is very important to someone who has been living in the Arctic for the past 10 months. I just wanted to stretch a blanket out and soak up the sunshine. Oh, and it was great seeing all of my family too!
2. It was great seeing my family and friends while I was home. But I mentioned that already.
3. Ted's. Oh, how I miss you!
4. I have seen the sun the past TWO days. I am nearly beside myself.
5. I have a really incredible husband. He starts my car in the morning, patiently does things that I have run out of time for, and tells me that everything I make is good. I love him.
6. I was marveling today at how much I already love my job. Ok, so sometimes I have a hard time staying awake. And I have a hard time getting up in the morning. Friday afternoons off are amazing, though. And the environment is SO laid back. Everyone does their job, the boss doesn't yell, and the ladies are all really nice. I'm so very thankful for it.
7. I found out yesterday that some friends are going to live just down the road from me when we finally get our house built. I am ECSTATIC.
8. Speaking of our house, the ground is finally thawing. However, there are load limits on the roads until the first part of April, so we are still on hold. Soon, though!
9. I broke my phone. I dropped it and it decided that was the last time it was taking that sort of abuse. The microphone stopped working. I can still text (thank goodness!) but no talking for me. This works out nicely for Cameron. He can call and talk and actually get to say stuff!
10. Random fact: There is a town somewhere (I don't remember now which city/town/village/county I was working on) that felt the need to define family. In this town, a relative is a mother, father, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, grandparent, and great-grandparent. However, more distant relationships such as cousins are not considered family. So, all of you people who have been secretly dying to marry your cousins, HERE'S YOUR CHANCE.
I have not blogged much lately, mostly because when I get home, it's Cameron-and-Linnie time and that doesn't include blogging. I do have a more serious blog post that will occur eventually. I know, it's hard to believe I can be serious. It doesn't happen every 4th blue moon though! Stay tuned.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Nightmares
I'm weird. I know this, but I wanted to make sure that you all know it too. That said, let me explain.
I leave for Oklahoma VERY early Wednesday morning. Now, a 6:30 flight might not sound that early, but I count the 3:30 rising-time and the 4:00 leave-for-the-airport-time in that. It's really an ungodly hour. I picked this flight for two reasons: I wanted to maximize my time in OK and this way Cameron won't have to miss work to take me to the airport. That information was just background; it's not why I'm weird.
I'm weird because: I'm totally excited about going on this trip. I love to travel, and I am very excited about seeing friends and family and going to Ted's and the zoo and hanging out with girls. HOWEVER. I tend to get anxious about things that change my schedule. I just started a new job and that caused all sorts of trauma. Now I'm disrupting that to go home. I have had many nightmares as a result. I dreamed that I had a baby (or, I laid down pregnant in my dream, went to sleep, and woke up with a baby. Too bad that isn't really how it happens!) while Cameron and I were in Oklahoma. I promptly forgot about this baby. I went to the store with Mommy and Grandma and we were shopping along for quite some time before I realized that: a) I had a baby; and, b) I had no idea where this baby was. Thankfully, she (we didn't name her) was with Cameron. Then, we were getting ready to go home, and I was standing in the airport (having already gotten my boarding pass) with a duffel with my stuff, as well as another bag, plus the baby's diaper bag and the baby in her carrier in my arms (superwoman!). Suddenly there was all kinds of stuff that we hadn't packed on a table in front of me and the plane was boarding. I couldn't get Cameron to understand that we needed to hurry and finish packing this stuff, so I just starting shoving stuff into already full bags. At some point during all of this, I lost the baby's bottle. I think I woke up before there were any further developments though. This is only one dream. I dreamed a good friend became part of a cult and couldn't decide if she was going to become the 4th wife of some guy or make some other equally bad decisions. I also dreamed I was on a train and there were bad guys who were on there and I was trying to call the cops and had to hide in a closet. I woke up right before the bad guy found me. Need I go on? Oh, and this is just the last two nights.
I think getting up at 3:30 on Wednesday morning will be a relief. It will mean the anxious anticipation is almost over. I'm SO ready.
I leave for Oklahoma VERY early Wednesday morning. Now, a 6:30 flight might not sound that early, but I count the 3:30 rising-time and the 4:00 leave-for-the-airport-time in that. It's really an ungodly hour. I picked this flight for two reasons: I wanted to maximize my time in OK and this way Cameron won't have to miss work to take me to the airport. That information was just background; it's not why I'm weird.
I'm weird because: I'm totally excited about going on this trip. I love to travel, and I am very excited about seeing friends and family and going to Ted's and the zoo and hanging out with girls. HOWEVER. I tend to get anxious about things that change my schedule. I just started a new job and that caused all sorts of trauma. Now I'm disrupting that to go home. I have had many nightmares as a result. I dreamed that I had a baby (or, I laid down pregnant in my dream, went to sleep, and woke up with a baby. Too bad that isn't really how it happens!) while Cameron and I were in Oklahoma. I promptly forgot about this baby. I went to the store with Mommy and Grandma and we were shopping along for quite some time before I realized that: a) I had a baby; and, b) I had no idea where this baby was. Thankfully, she (we didn't name her) was with Cameron. Then, we were getting ready to go home, and I was standing in the airport (having already gotten my boarding pass) with a duffel with my stuff, as well as another bag, plus the baby's diaper bag and the baby in her carrier in my arms (superwoman!). Suddenly there was all kinds of stuff that we hadn't packed on a table in front of me and the plane was boarding. I couldn't get Cameron to understand that we needed to hurry and finish packing this stuff, so I just starting shoving stuff into already full bags. At some point during all of this, I lost the baby's bottle. I think I woke up before there were any further developments though. This is only one dream. I dreamed a good friend became part of a cult and couldn't decide if she was going to become the 4th wife of some guy or make some other equally bad decisions. I also dreamed I was on a train and there were bad guys who were on there and I was trying to call the cops and had to hide in a closet. I woke up right before the bad guy found me. Need I go on? Oh, and this is just the last two nights.
I think getting up at 3:30 on Wednesday morning will be a relief. It will mean the anxious anticipation is almost over. I'm SO ready.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
New Job
Sometime around fifth grade I decided that I didn't like school. I'm not sure if this was because it wasn't cool to like school, or if I was noticing how socially awkward I was. I didn't really begin to like school again until... well, ever. There were certain aspects of it that I enjoyed, but on a whole I wasn't a fan. This might seem somewhat peculiar since I was considered a "smart kid". I made straight A's, kept on the teachers' good sides, and generally "did well". Let me tell you a secret - I simply knew how to work the system. I became good at reading a teacher's face, seeing the correct answer there. I was exceptional at looking as if I was paying attention, nodding at all the right moments, when really my mind was anywhere else. Somehow I still retained enough knowledge to pass the tests though. (I'm still not sure how that happened.)
I realized recently that I kind of miss school. I felt successful there. I knew what the expectations were and how to exceed them. I was GOOD at taking tests.
I started a new job today. When I interviewed for this job, I was required to take a proof-reading test. The interviewer told me that I did very well on it. I felt successful again. When I was offered the job, I promptly accepted it. There is a lot of information to be absorbed, and training is supposed to last for the next month. The notable things about the training are: there are four of us; it is set up like a classroom (desks in a row, "teacher" at the front lecturing); we have a quiz tomorrow. I found it very hard to resist the sleep that pulled at my eyelids. There is something about a classroom setting that shuts my brain down in a hurry. All in all, though, I think I will really enjoy this job, once I start working.
I realized recently that I kind of miss school. I felt successful there. I knew what the expectations were and how to exceed them. I was GOOD at taking tests.
I started a new job today. When I interviewed for this job, I was required to take a proof-reading test. The interviewer told me that I did very well on it. I felt successful again. When I was offered the job, I promptly accepted it. There is a lot of information to be absorbed, and training is supposed to last for the next month. The notable things about the training are: there are four of us; it is set up like a classroom (desks in a row, "teacher" at the front lecturing); we have a quiz tomorrow. I found it very hard to resist the sleep that pulled at my eyelids. There is something about a classroom setting that shuts my brain down in a hurry. All in all, though, I think I will really enjoy this job, once I start working.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thankfulness
Today I am thankful that:
1. I don't start my new job until tomorrow. It is crazy windy and cold looking outside.
2. I go home in 9 days. I am very much looking forward to that. My only question though: How do you dress for 60 degree weather? I have forgotten...
3. The groundhog predicted a short winter. I am claiming this by faith.
1. I don't start my new job until tomorrow. It is crazy windy and cold looking outside.
2. I go home in 9 days. I am very much looking forward to that. My only question though: How do you dress for 60 degree weather? I have forgotten...
3. The groundhog predicted a short winter. I am claiming this by faith.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Valentine's
Cameron and I decided to wait to celebrate Valentine's till last weekend. I don't think I could have asked for a better day. We slept in. What, isn't that enough of a celebration? No? Ok, fine.
After we got up, I packed a lunch and we went for a drive. We headed up north through Sandpoint, then turned east. We drove through Clark Fork, Thompson Falls, and several other little bitty towns. Driving through Montana, we kept being warned to watch for Big Horn Sheep. I watched diligently but didn't get to see any. I was quite disappointed. We ended up in Paradise (literally!) and then hopped on the highway and came home. We ate dinner at the Olive Garden. So yummy.
Here are some pictures from our day.
After we got up, I packed a lunch and we went for a drive. We headed up north through Sandpoint, then turned east. We drove through Clark Fork, Thompson Falls, and several other little bitty towns. Driving through Montana, we kept being warned to watch for Big Horn Sheep. I watched diligently but didn't get to see any. I was quite disappointed. We ended up in Paradise (literally!) and then hopped on the highway and came home. We ate dinner at the Olive Garden. So yummy.
Here are some pictures from our day.
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| It was quite sunny when we started. A little windy too. Such beautiful scenery. |
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| We stopped to stretch our legs by this river. (The Clark Fork, I think.) |
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| Self-portrait! |
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| By the time we got into Montana, we were driving into clouds. It was still really pretty. |
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The week before...
Since I start my new job next Tuesday and the hours will be an adjustment, I decided to get my body used to them by keeping the same hours this week. I fail.
Yesterday morning, I didn't even try to get up early. (I still get up with Cameron, but with my job, I will have to be up even earlier.) I did take my shower last night, and followed the cleaning schedule I have set up for myself.
This morning, the only reason I got up early is because Cameron set an alarm for me. I completely forgot that to wake up, I require an alarm. Oops! Then, I got up, ate breakfast, and went back to bed. I have decided that as long as I get my stomach on this schedule I will be fine.
I feel like I'm torturing myself needlessly. I am quite hungry and there is food available. I'll be thankful I did this next week, though, right?
Yesterday morning, I didn't even try to get up early. (I still get up with Cameron, but with my job, I will have to be up even earlier.) I did take my shower last night, and followed the cleaning schedule I have set up for myself.
This morning, the only reason I got up early is because Cameron set an alarm for me. I completely forgot that to wake up, I require an alarm. Oops! Then, I got up, ate breakfast, and went back to bed. I have decided that as long as I get my stomach on this schedule I will be fine.
I feel like I'm torturing myself needlessly. I am quite hungry and there is food available. I'll be thankful I did this next week, though, right?
Friday, February 18, 2011
Dishes
Before my parents had a dishwasher, it would often taken an hour and a half to wash the dishes. I know this because I washed them almost every night for several years. When you have a small country living in one house, dishes pile up very quickly. I had a system for how I washed them - plates, bowls, cups, larger bowls, pans, and last but certainly not least, silverware. I could pile the dishes in the drainer and on a towel beside it in that order, and never have to dry anything. By the time I reached the silverware, the thought of washing each of those little pieces was overwhelming. I needed a break just to psych myself up for it. Usually my break ended up lasting the rest of the evening and the silverware would lanquish away in the bottom of the sink, neglected and conveniently forgotten.
I still hate to wash silverware. I usually do the dishes once a day (unless I don't cook or just don't create very many dishes). Wednesday, I convinced myself that it was ok to leave the silverware till later. The result was that I had all that much more to wash yesterday. We had run out of spoons so I couldn't neglect it any longer. Otherwise, why do today what you can put off till tomorrow?!
I still hate to wash silverware. I usually do the dishes once a day (unless I don't cook or just don't create very many dishes). Wednesday, I convinced myself that it was ok to leave the silverware till later. The result was that I had all that much more to wash yesterday. We had run out of spoons so I couldn't neglect it any longer. Otherwise, why do today what you can put off till tomorrow?!
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| Proof that some things never change. |
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Snowflakes
Do you ever have days when you know that you should get out and get things done, but as you stare at the snow drifting past your window, you absolutely don't want to move? The sun is struggling to peek out from behind the clouds and highlights the flakes blowing about. I am sitting on the couch ignoring the fact that I really should get to the store before it gets crowded. My floor needs vacuumed, the kitchen needs swept, my thunder thighs need exercised and laundry needs washed. The snowflakes are whispering, hypnotizing me with their playful dance. They are telling me it's ok to be lazy - after all, the only reason I can see them is because gravity pulled them into my line of vision. Gravity has me anchored to this couch. Gravity, you honor me with your presence. I will be your friend.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tuesday
1. It's snowing like there is no tomorrow. And here I thought winter must be over.
2. I am peacefully coexisting on the couch with a handgun. This is a major step up from the heebie jeebies.
3. Saturday, I hosted a birthday party for a friend, and had a BLAST. We had lunch here and then went to Spokane to shop at the mall. I found some awesome deals (yay for new clothes!). We ate dinner downtown at a charming French cafe' called Madeleines. I hadn't realized how fun downtown Spokane was, and now I really want to go back. They have brick buildings. I think I could live there. On the way home, my blondness showed up. "I am not sure how to get back to the highway, but I can't just put 'Go to I-90' into the GPS, so I guess I will drive around for a while." I found the highway, just couldn't find an on-ramp. After ending up going the wrong direction again, I finally realized that I could put MY address into the GPS and that would get me to the highway.
4. I don't wear headphones. I have not reached that level of blond yet.
5. Should blond have an 'e' on the end?
6. Here's a picture of the yummy and fun dessert I made for the party. It's a P-Dub creation.
7. I have a new job. It doesn't start till March 1st, at which time this blog may sink into oblivion. The lack of recent posts is to prepare you for that time. Or it's just because I don't have much to say.
2. I am peacefully coexisting on the couch with a handgun. This is a major step up from the heebie jeebies.
3. Saturday, I hosted a birthday party for a friend, and had a BLAST. We had lunch here and then went to Spokane to shop at the mall. I found some awesome deals (yay for new clothes!). We ate dinner downtown at a charming French cafe' called Madeleines. I hadn't realized how fun downtown Spokane was, and now I really want to go back. They have brick buildings. I think I could live there. On the way home, my blondness showed up. "I am not sure how to get back to the highway, but I can't just put 'Go to I-90' into the GPS, so I guess I will drive around for a while." I found the highway, just couldn't find an on-ramp. After ending up going the wrong direction again, I finally realized that I could put MY address into the GPS and that would get me to the highway.
4. I don't wear headphones. I have not reached that level of blond yet.
5. Should blond have an 'e' on the end?
6. Here's a picture of the yummy and fun dessert I made for the party. It's a P-Dub creation.
7. I have a new job. It doesn't start till March 1st, at which time this blog may sink into oblivion. The lack of recent posts is to prepare you for that time. Or it's just because I don't have much to say.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Groceries, Part 2
So I recently made a comment that I like to carry all of my groceries in at one time. It is a neurosis. However, today I was running low on time (I had gone grocery shopping before work) and so I thought it would be faster to run part of the groceries up to the landing by our door and then get the rest, rather than struggling with all of the doors. The second load consisted of four bags on one arm and the milk carton in the other. I looped the milk around my fingers and reached up to shut the back of my SUV. As I violently slung the door downward (it takes some oomph to get it closed!) the milk went slamming to the ground, promptly splitting open on both sides. I briefly considered taking it to the nearby dumpster and just throwing out the whole gallon, but that seemed like such a waste. I took it over to the stairway and tried to set it on the ground in such a way that it wouldn't spill too much more. That was basically impossible. I ran inside, left all the groceries on the landing, and grabbed a plastic bag. When I got back outside, rather than doing the smart thing and sticking it inside the bag, I just balanced it on top and tried to carefully carry it upstairs without spilling milk. I failed. The hallway and stairs smell like milk. Ew. I ended up spewing it all over the carpet and kitchen floor in the apartment too, but since I cleaned that up it doesn't smell. I was able to pour at least half a gallon into a bowl and putting it in the fridge that way. Moral of the story: Carry all of the groceries at one time. That never happened when I was doing it that way!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Ancient
I just had to type my age and realized how old that particular activity makes me feel. When I got out of high school, I felt on top of the world. Everyone loved me, and I bounced around like a little girl. My mom told me I was 18 going on 3, and gently reminded me that at some point I needed to start acting my age. Mother, I just want you to know: Acting my age is the pits. When did I become an adult?! Oh yeah, 6 years ago. Next thing I know, I will be wheelchair bound.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Lately...
To catch you all up on my life lately...
I had two (well, basically three) interviews yesterday. I decided to continue looking for an office job and have been applying for almost all that come open in our area. My first interview I ended up just chatting with the owner of the company for an hour. He tested my proofreading skills, told me about the great benefits, the great hours, and all but convinced me that I want to work there. Then, he told me he wasn't offering me the job, but that if I got offered a job at my interview in the afternoon, he wanted first pick. Sounds promising to me!
My second stop was the Express office (they were doing the screening for the job I wanted) and then she sent me downstairs to meet with the people at the Post Falls Chamber. They have a gorgeous new building, and it sounded like it would be a fun position as well.
Saturday we went to a young marrieds dinner at church. Lots of good food and fellowship.
I've been using my sewing machine again. I think I need safety goggles while using it. There is a pin in my living room somewhere from where the sewing machine needle hit it and it went flying. However, I finished this little clutch and I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. Go me! (Oh, and when you are instructed to use the zipper foot, you can ignore it. Or I did and it worked fine!)
I had two (well, basically three) interviews yesterday. I decided to continue looking for an office job and have been applying for almost all that come open in our area. My first interview I ended up just chatting with the owner of the company for an hour. He tested my proofreading skills, told me about the great benefits, the great hours, and all but convinced me that I want to work there. Then, he told me he wasn't offering me the job, but that if I got offered a job at my interview in the afternoon, he wanted first pick. Sounds promising to me!
My second stop was the Express office (they were doing the screening for the job I wanted) and then she sent me downstairs to meet with the people at the Post Falls Chamber. They have a gorgeous new building, and it sounded like it would be a fun position as well.
Saturday we went to a young marrieds dinner at church. Lots of good food and fellowship.
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| We took this using the timer once we got home. |
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Dr Seuss
I love Dr Seuss. I think he was a literary genius, and had some amazingly wise things to say.
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells."
"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."
"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love."
"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"
"If things start happening, don't worry, don't stew, just go right along and you'll start happening too."
"ASAP. Whatever that means. It must mean, 'Act swiftly awesome pacyderm!"
"If you'd never been born, then you might be an Isn't!
An Isn't has no fun at all. No, he disn't."
An Isn't has no fun at all. No, he disn't."
These all came from this website. Love them!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Bittersweet Moments
Whenever I look through my wedding pictures, I can't help but wish I could go back to that day for just a few hours. The hours flew by so quickly, and I hadn't let myself believe that I was actually moving away. I wish for a few more minutes with my nieces and nephews, to make sure they know that I love them and appreciate the part they each played in my special day.
I wish for a few more minutes with my Grandma Young, to express to her how special she is, how much I love her, and how much I appreciate the wisdom and time she has shared with us over the years.
I wish I could freeze time so that I could absorb the finality of what I was doing. For a moment to look at the faces of the loved ones around me, soak in the smiles on their faces, the hugs, take it all in so that in these months of change, I could pull them around me and draw strength.
I appreciate all the work that went into making that day so special for Cameron and me. I am so thankful for the technology that allows me to visit it again, if only in pictures.
I heard this song shortly after I moved, and cried. I'm so thankful I can trust in my God to be with me.
I wish I could freeze time so that I could absorb the finality of what I was doing. For a moment to look at the faces of the loved ones around me, soak in the smiles on their faces, the hugs, take it all in so that in these months of change, I could pull them around me and draw strength.
I appreciate all the work that went into making that day so special for Cameron and me. I am so thankful for the technology that allows me to visit it again, if only in pictures.
I heard this song shortly after I moved, and cried. I'm so thankful I can trust in my God to be with me.
Random...
Can you believe that 2011 is already a 12th over? I can't.
Last night, Cameron and I worked on our taxes using the TurboTax Federal Free edition. I love it. However, when we did our state taxes there, and then did them using another program, there was a several hundred dollar difference in the amount of money we will get back. That concerns me. Who knows what I did wrong. I am looking forward to getting our refund though. It puts us well on our way to having a down payment on our house!
Oklahoma friends - you have more snow than me. Nanny stinkin' boo boo.
Happy February 1st, everyone! I hope your day is more productive than I plan to make mine!
Last night, Cameron and I worked on our taxes using the TurboTax Federal Free edition. I love it. However, when we did our state taxes there, and then did them using another program, there was a several hundred dollar difference in the amount of money we will get back. That concerns me. Who knows what I did wrong. I am looking forward to getting our refund though. It puts us well on our way to having a down payment on our house!
Oklahoma friends - you have more snow than me. Nanny stinkin' boo boo.
Happy February 1st, everyone! I hope your day is more productive than I plan to make mine!
Friday, January 28, 2011
My Sewing Machine Keeps Me Humble
"Anything that can go wrong, will." - Murphy's Law, NLV
Who knew that Murphy's law would apply to sewing? I am supposed to attend a baby shower on Saturday and I got the brilliant idea to make some homemade gifts. Keep in mind that I have had my sewing machine since September, and have only used it for one project. I had to watch the instructional DVD to use it that time. This time, I decided I would just dig out the manual. Things I learned the last few days:
1. I can't sew a straight seam to save my life;
2. How to rethread the needle after it hits a pin and comes unthreaded, causing me to have to start the crooked seam over;
3. How to disassemble my sewing macine and reassemble it (I'm becoming a pro at this!);
4. How to waste half a spool of thread just getting started on a project (that's $1.25 down the drain, thank you very much);
5. How to hope to goodness that the baby won't notice the less than professional work. About the time I got on a roll, the bobbin ran out of thread. Another seam that had to be started over. And do you think I ripped the old ones out?? Think again! Just sew over them, baby!
Earlier this summer, I saw a seamstress position posted in the paper. I briefly considered applying, thinking, "How hard could it be to use a sewing machine?". I'm glad I didn't, because I would have been the laughing stock of that establishment.
Murphy, you were a wise old pessimist. Would you like to find a new hobby with me?
Who knew that Murphy's law would apply to sewing? I am supposed to attend a baby shower on Saturday and I got the brilliant idea to make some homemade gifts. Keep in mind that I have had my sewing machine since September, and have only used it for one project. I had to watch the instructional DVD to use it that time. This time, I decided I would just dig out the manual. Things I learned the last few days:
1. I can't sew a straight seam to save my life;
2. How to rethread the needle after it hits a pin and comes unthreaded, causing me to have to start the crooked seam over;
3. How to disassemble my sewing macine and reassemble it (I'm becoming a pro at this!);
4. How to waste half a spool of thread just getting started on a project (that's $1.25 down the drain, thank you very much);
5. How to hope to goodness that the baby won't notice the less than professional work. About the time I got on a roll, the bobbin ran out of thread. Another seam that had to be started over. And do you think I ripped the old ones out?? Think again! Just sew over them, baby!
Earlier this summer, I saw a seamstress position posted in the paper. I briefly considered applying, thinking, "How hard could it be to use a sewing machine?". I'm glad I didn't, because I would have been the laughing stock of that establishment.
Murphy, you were a wise old pessimist. Would you like to find a new hobby with me?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Lessons from a Day of Domesticity
1. If you holler "OW!" really loud while taking dinner out of the oven, your loving husband will come dashing into the kitchen, expressing much concern.
2. When pinning fabric, it is wise if you DON'T have your thumb right where the pin is going to come out.
3. Being domestic is messy business. There is fabric scattered around the living room, as well as the ironing board being set up from where I went on an ironing binge. Not to mention the mess that was already scattered around. Thank goodness I get to go to work tomorrow. Who knows what it would look like in here if I didn't?!
4. My sewing machine says "Simple" on the front of it. It lies.
5. How on earth did the women do it back in the day? For that matter, Mother, how did you do it??? Babies everywhere, and life must still go on. I'm really thankful I live in the modern day, and as of yet, have no babies.
2. When pinning fabric, it is wise if you DON'T have your thumb right where the pin is going to come out.
3. Being domestic is messy business. There is fabric scattered around the living room, as well as the ironing board being set up from where I went on an ironing binge. Not to mention the mess that was already scattered around. Thank goodness I get to go to work tomorrow. Who knows what it would look like in here if I didn't?!
4. My sewing machine says "Simple" on the front of it. It lies.
5. How on earth did the women do it back in the day? For that matter, Mother, how did you do it??? Babies everywhere, and life must still go on. I'm really thankful I live in the modern day, and as of yet, have no babies.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Grouponing
I have sisters who are coupon clipping queens. They save tons of money on their grocery bills. I don't get it. I've tried and can't save the money they do. So I have basically stopped trying. However, I LOVE Groupon. I get the emails for their deals for our area and they are frequently something that I can use.
Saturday, Cameron and I went to Franklin's Hoagies for lunch. It's a locally owned, hole-in-the-wall type restaurant that has been there since 1981. We have decided that we are not going to spend as much money, but I had already bought the Groupon, so lunch was already paid for. Talk about fantastic. The food and service were both great. I love discovering places to eat that are native to this area. And face it - even if you love to cook, there is just something about having someone else cook for you that is nice. Not having to do the dishes is nice too!
Saturday, Cameron and I went to Franklin's Hoagies for lunch. It's a locally owned, hole-in-the-wall type restaurant that has been there since 1981. We have decided that we are not going to spend as much money, but I had already bought the Groupon, so lunch was already paid for. Talk about fantastic. The food and service were both great. I love discovering places to eat that are native to this area. And face it - even if you love to cook, there is just something about having someone else cook for you that is nice. Not having to do the dishes is nice too!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Glory!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Frontier Airlines # 304
Spokane International (GEG) to Denver International (DEN)
Departure (GEG): March 9, 6:30 AM PST (morning)
Arrival (DEN): March 9, 9:47 AM MST (morning)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Frontier Airlines # 1185 Operated by: REPUBLIC AIRLINES - Please check in with the operating carrier
Denver International (DEN) to Oklahoma City Will Rogers World (OKC)
Departure (DEN): March 9, 10:45 AM MST (morning)
Arrival (OKC): March 9, 1:17 PM CST (afternoon)
Frontier Airlines # 304
Spokane International (GEG) to Denver International (DEN)
Departure (GEG): March 9, 6:30 AM PST (morning)
Arrival (DEN): March 9, 9:47 AM MST (morning)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Frontier Airlines # 1185 Operated by: REPUBLIC AIRLINES - Please check in with the operating carrier
Denver International (DEN) to Oklahoma City Will Rogers World (OKC)
Departure (DEN): March 9, 10:45 AM MST (morning)
Arrival (OKC): March 9, 1:17 PM CST (afternoon)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
I'm loved.
I know I'm loved.
1. Sunday, we got a phone call that the elderly gentleman we take to church sometimes wanted to go to church. We got the call at 9 am, and need to leave the house by 9:15 in order to pick him up and be to church on time. Needless to say, it didn't happen. This stressed me, because Cameron was supposed to teach Sunday School, so it was not a good morning to be late. I swiftly prayed on the way out the door that the traffic would be lighter than usual. It was. At the first red light, I prayed that the rest of the lights would be green. I can't think of a single light that we had to stop for. We made it to church on time. I'm loved.
2. My husband recognized the rough day I had yesterday by bringing me home a beautiful hyacinth. I'm loved.
3. I have friends and family who often leave me messages to show that they haven't forgotten me. I'm loved.
1. Sunday, we got a phone call that the elderly gentleman we take to church sometimes wanted to go to church. We got the call at 9 am, and need to leave the house by 9:15 in order to pick him up and be to church on time. Needless to say, it didn't happen. This stressed me, because Cameron was supposed to teach Sunday School, so it was not a good morning to be late. I swiftly prayed on the way out the door that the traffic would be lighter than usual. It was. At the first red light, I prayed that the rest of the lights would be green. I can't think of a single light that we had to stop for. We made it to church on time. I'm loved.
2. My husband recognized the rough day I had yesterday by bringing me home a beautiful hyacinth. I'm loved.
3. I have friends and family who often leave me messages to show that they haven't forgotten me. I'm loved.
Friday, January 14, 2011
A Picture
I'm not an artist. I can't even draw proportional stick figures. I have a picture in my head, though, and I want to show it to you.
In this picture, it's Crucifixion Day. On Earth, Christ hangs on the cross, suffering the greatest agony known to man. All is dark. The mob around Jesus has ugly, taunting faces, while His mother looks on in horror. His blood runs down the cross from where the nail has pierced His feet. His head is bowed as He resists the desire to call to Heaven for help.
Up in Heaven, Gabriel has sounded the call to gather ten thousand of his best soldiers. The army of angels waits for the Son of God to make the slightest of signs to bring them to His rescue. They are poised to rush to Earth and end this travesty. God places His hand on Gabriel's shoulder, restraining him from acting contrary to God's will, and covers His face with His other hand to hide His grief. The sacrifice of His son is almost too great a cost, but He holds on, knowing it is the only way.
Sometimes I try to imagine what was sacrificed so that I might walk with God. I can't wrap my mind around it. The little bit that I can see causes an overwhelming awe to spring up in me, as well as a sense of responsibility. Christ went to the cross once for me. I don't want to ever cause Him suffering again.
In this picture, it's Crucifixion Day. On Earth, Christ hangs on the cross, suffering the greatest agony known to man. All is dark. The mob around Jesus has ugly, taunting faces, while His mother looks on in horror. His blood runs down the cross from where the nail has pierced His feet. His head is bowed as He resists the desire to call to Heaven for help.
Up in Heaven, Gabriel has sounded the call to gather ten thousand of his best soldiers. The army of angels waits for the Son of God to make the slightest of signs to bring them to His rescue. They are poised to rush to Earth and end this travesty. God places His hand on Gabriel's shoulder, restraining him from acting contrary to God's will, and covers His face with His other hand to hide His grief. The sacrifice of His son is almost too great a cost, but He holds on, knowing it is the only way.
Sometimes I try to imagine what was sacrificed so that I might walk with God. I can't wrap my mind around it. The little bit that I can see causes an overwhelming awe to spring up in me, as well as a sense of responsibility. Christ went to the cross once for me. I don't want to ever cause Him suffering again.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
3 Things
1. I have used at least half a roll of toilet paper today. And that was just on my nose.
2. In north Idaho, if you live in a wealthy area (say near the lake), you can commandeer a street for sledding. I saw it. I just wish I would have had the camera with me so you could see it too.
3. I went to the funeral of Cameron's great grandfather today. He had gotten married when he was 96 or 97 years old. Definitely not something you hear about every day. It was a very different experience attending the funeral of someone you don't know, among people you don't know. Definitely an outside-looking-in moment.
2. In north Idaho, if you live in a wealthy area (say near the lake), you can commandeer a street for sledding. I saw it. I just wish I would have had the camera with me so you could see it too.
3. I went to the funeral of Cameron's great grandfather today. He had gotten married when he was 96 or 97 years old. Definitely not something you hear about every day. It was a very different experience attending the funeral of someone you don't know, among people you don't know. Definitely an outside-looking-in moment.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
My Dear Friend
I got a text message last night. It came from my brother at my church in Oklahoma. "Your dear friend is here." I laughed. And promptly decided that I needed to share this story with you all.
You see, my senior year we had Yearbook Signing Day a couple of weeks before the last day of school. A bunch of my friends and I gathered on a sidewalk outside the Two-Story Building (while that should probably be lowercase, there are words that end up with capital letters in my mind) and sat and just signed each others yearbooks. If someone wanted to come to us to have us sign theirs, we would deign to sign it, but there was no way that we were getting up and walking around. We were too cool for that.
Toward the end of the afternoon, a young man wandered into our group and started talking to Teresa. I'm really not good about making small talk with strangers, so I ignored him. Pretty soon, Teresa decided that she was going to go home. I stayed where I was, surrounded by people, so that this young man couldn't get to me. After a few minutes, I forgot about him, and moved across the circle to have one of my friends sign my yearbook. Big mistake. This exposed me to passing strangers and pretty soon he had come up and wanted to sign my yearbook. Please note that I had never met this young man before that day (I attended a large high school) and didn't really want him signing my yearbook. I couldn't say no (still can't!) though and so he signed it. Then he asked for my phone number. I still couldn't say no, so he ended up with my phone number while I made an excuse for leaving. Teresa, if you are reading my blog, I still blame you for all of this!
Before I tell you the rest of the story, I want to explain what I was like as an 18 year old. I was dramatic, flighty, and somewhat self-centered. I'm trying to do better. I've had 6 years to practice since then, so hopefully I'm not as bad.
At school the next week, I was walking to my 2nd hour, and discovered that this young man had a class right across the hall from mine. I quickly ducked into my classroom, but he still saw me and waved really big. Great. I stewed the entire period about how I was going to get away. There were two doors to the classroom, so I picked the one furthest away from his doorway and took off the opposite direction. Probably not the nicest thing to do, but I was trying to avoid awkwardness.
I don't recall seeing him again until the very last day of school. My friends and I were heading to the parking lot at the end of the day, and he found me. He told me that he had lost my phone number and wanted to know if he could have it again. I told him no (I grew a backbone in a very short amount of time) and thought that was the end of it. It wasn't.
I spent the summer in ignorance. He spent the summer calling my Grandma's phone (she was the first Chancellor in the phone book and happened to be out of town most of the summer). When my Grandma got home, he called again. She gave him my phone number. I received a phone call on a Wednesday night. Talk about awkward. I'm not good at talking to people on the phone. Really. I'm a talker if I know you and so you are all feeling skeptical at the moment. Just believe me, ok? I told him I had to get off of the phone to go to church, and he asked to come with me. He couldn't drive, so I had to go pick him up. He's a sweet kid, but I took siblings along to protect myself.
At church that night, he kept scooting down the bench, closer and closer. I kept inching away, and by the end of service, he was practically sitting on me, and I was close to sitting on the girl beside me. I had the irresistible urge to giggle all service, imagining what the backs of our heads looked like to the people sitting behind us. This young man got up and told the church why he was attending our service with his "dear friend". *Insert very red face here* From then on, he has been known to my family as my dear friend. That I only talked to a handful of times. But we are close. Definitely.
I finally got him home and breathed a sigh of relief. I ran into him a couple more times at Wal-Mart (where he worked) and finally he got up the nerve to ask if I had a boyfriend. I told him yes, and promptly stopped shopping at that store. I couldn't handle the awkward meetings.
Good story, huh? Hopefully one day I'll figure out how to handle awkward situations. Until then, you can find me running the other direction.
You see, my senior year we had Yearbook Signing Day a couple of weeks before the last day of school. A bunch of my friends and I gathered on a sidewalk outside the Two-Story Building (while that should probably be lowercase, there are words that end up with capital letters in my mind) and sat and just signed each others yearbooks. If someone wanted to come to us to have us sign theirs, we would deign to sign it, but there was no way that we were getting up and walking around. We were too cool for that.
Toward the end of the afternoon, a young man wandered into our group and started talking to Teresa. I'm really not good about making small talk with strangers, so I ignored him. Pretty soon, Teresa decided that she was going to go home. I stayed where I was, surrounded by people, so that this young man couldn't get to me. After a few minutes, I forgot about him, and moved across the circle to have one of my friends sign my yearbook. Big mistake. This exposed me to passing strangers and pretty soon he had come up and wanted to sign my yearbook. Please note that I had never met this young man before that day (I attended a large high school) and didn't really want him signing my yearbook. I couldn't say no (still can't!) though and so he signed it. Then he asked for my phone number. I still couldn't say no, so he ended up with my phone number while I made an excuse for leaving. Teresa, if you are reading my blog, I still blame you for all of this!
Before I tell you the rest of the story, I want to explain what I was like as an 18 year old. I was dramatic, flighty, and somewhat self-centered. I'm trying to do better. I've had 6 years to practice since then, so hopefully I'm not as bad.
At school the next week, I was walking to my 2nd hour, and discovered that this young man had a class right across the hall from mine. I quickly ducked into my classroom, but he still saw me and waved really big. Great. I stewed the entire period about how I was going to get away. There were two doors to the classroom, so I picked the one furthest away from his doorway and took off the opposite direction. Probably not the nicest thing to do, but I was trying to avoid awkwardness.
I don't recall seeing him again until the very last day of school. My friends and I were heading to the parking lot at the end of the day, and he found me. He told me that he had lost my phone number and wanted to know if he could have it again. I told him no (I grew a backbone in a very short amount of time) and thought that was the end of it. It wasn't.
I spent the summer in ignorance. He spent the summer calling my Grandma's phone (she was the first Chancellor in the phone book and happened to be out of town most of the summer). When my Grandma got home, he called again. She gave him my phone number. I received a phone call on a Wednesday night. Talk about awkward. I'm not good at talking to people on the phone. Really. I'm a talker if I know you and so you are all feeling skeptical at the moment. Just believe me, ok? I told him I had to get off of the phone to go to church, and he asked to come with me. He couldn't drive, so I had to go pick him up. He's a sweet kid, but I took siblings along to protect myself.
At church that night, he kept scooting down the bench, closer and closer. I kept inching away, and by the end of service, he was practically sitting on me, and I was close to sitting on the girl beside me. I had the irresistible urge to giggle all service, imagining what the backs of our heads looked like to the people sitting behind us. This young man got up and told the church why he was attending our service with his "dear friend". *Insert very red face here* From then on, he has been known to my family as my dear friend. That I only talked to a handful of times. But we are close. Definitely.
I finally got him home and breathed a sigh of relief. I ran into him a couple more times at Wal-Mart (where he worked) and finally he got up the nerve to ask if I had a boyfriend. I told him yes, and promptly stopped shopping at that store. I couldn't handle the awkward meetings.
Good story, huh? Hopefully one day I'll figure out how to handle awkward situations. Until then, you can find me running the other direction.
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